I have always used this blog as somewhat of an outlet. I've posted about tons of different topics from cooking to boy drama to politics. Some posts are serious, others are funny, others are pointless. I can't say that I am well educated in many topics, but I post about things that are pressing on my mind, which brings me to my post for today.
The Westboro Baptist Church.
I first heard about this group about two years ago when they captured national attention for picketing at a marine's funeral. I made a very brief post about this religion around March of 2011 and then since have forgotten about them until recently. One thing to remember about me is that I love documentaries. I love learning about different things and I find documentaries are very satisfying. Anyway, so I was on Youtube last night trying to burn time and I came across a documentary called The Most Hated Family in America. (For those who can stomach learning about a very interesting religion and way of life, I strongly recommend this documentary. I learned SO much about these people!) I didn't know who the most hated family was until I clicked on the link. Within the first THREE SECONDS, I stared wide eyed in disbelief at the computer screen thinking "Am I REALLY hearing this?! Is this for real?" I then read the description of the video and three words caught my attention: Westboro Baptist Church. I then sat and watched all 8 parts of that documentary, fascinated at these people and their beliefs. If you don't know who these people are and don't have time to watch the documentary, lemme some it all up for you with some photos and videos:
Sean Hannity interview Shirley Phelps-Roper
A young man calls the WBC for information and this is what happened
Look at those pictures. Did you notice who is holding these signs? Children. On the documentary, these kids have no idea what these signs even mean. The adults are out these picketing as well, but I wanted to emphasis on the fact that little kids are taught from a very young age that this kind of discrimination is mandatory. But unfortunately, the fact that they do have these kids picketing also causes the children to be victims to everyone else's defense. Obviously if you see people on the side of the road holding signs like this, you'll get defensive and maybe give these people a piece of your mind and probably that's out of anger. These kids unfortunately get dumped on just as much as the adults and that saddens me a great deal. In the documentary, a car drives by the corner where the WBC are picketing and throws a fountain drink at the group, which results in the drink hitting a 7 year old in the head and cutting his face.
What is so interesting to me is the fact that they take so much joy in telling people how wicked they are and how everyone is going to Hell. They truly believe that they are God's messengers and that if people hate them, then they're doing their job right. Therefore, they seriously take joy and comfort in the anger that falls upon them. That alone I cannot understand.
Another thing I find interesting is their basis for their message. They picket funerals of soldiers because they believe the soldiers are fighting for a corrupt country that has evil rights, such as homosexuality. But what they fail to remember is that those soliders are also fighting for the WBC's freedom of speech and the right to even have a message. Ironic.
Human beings are fascinating creatures. Each other has their own set of beliefs and understanding of their purpose in life. I respect everyone's right to live how they want and believe what they want. I would never try to tell anyone how they should be or how to live (except for my own children, of course.) But this is where I draw the line. When you have so much disrespect for a country and for SO many people, given the opportunity, I'll jump in, which is what I am taking this opportunity to do. Therefore, I close this post with a message specifically for one of main leaders of this church, Shirley Phelps-Roper.
Shirley, if you hate America so much, FEEL FREE TO LEAVE!!!!
